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Fred Hostetler—Fred’s Blue Chair Blues—Mukthiland C 1004

I hadn’t come across Fred before, but he is rather an interesting
character with a recording history going back to the 60s. He has
worked in the blues, rock, folk and even world music - he lived in

India for around 15 years before returning to the USA.

Like many musicians, he has become frustrated during lockdown,
and so he decided to put out these recordings made in his living
room. He was unsure as to how they would be received, but
decided ultimately that it would best be left to audiences to

decide.

I for one am glad he did release these. The nine tracks are all solo performances, just vocal and
guitar, with Fred’s warm voice backed by his fine guitar playing, betraying influences from the likes
of Son House, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Howling Wolf (try the partially autobiographical

‘Taming The Wolf’ for the latter two) and Jimmy Reed. The latter is responsible for the album’s only
cover song, the opening ‘Bright Lights, Big City’, though his musical influence is also obvious on the
pointed ‘Hey Corporate Vandals’.

Rather a fine straight-up blues set then, from an old “new” name. Worth checking out… Fred, you
needn’t have worried.

Norman Darwen
(www.fredsheartradio.com)

Atomic 44s—The Boogeyman—Birddog (Single)

Combining the talents of harmonica player Eric VonHerzen
of The Atomic Road Kings and singer/ guitarist Johnny Main
of The 44s, backed by a tight band including the likes of Kid

Ramos on rhythm guitar, Bill Stuve on bass and Deb Ryder
on backing vocals, this is indeed a powerhouse boogie!

Recorded appropriately enough in California (where John

Lee Hooker ended his days), it runs to getting on for five
minutes and reminds me more than a little of the work
Hooker did with Canned Heat, raw, powerful and infectious,
with both frontmen given plenty of opportunities to shine.
More please!

Norman Darwen

(www.facebook.com/The44sBand/)